asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the number of prosecutions under the Intoxicating Liquor Acts in the Fermoy Garda area during the last 12 months, and the average number of prosecutions in the same period in comparable areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prosecutions under Intoxicating Liquor Acts in Fermoy.
In the year ended 31st October last, the number of prosecutions against publicans in the subdistrict of Fermoy was 23, resulting in 23 convictions. The number of those prosecuted for illegally being on licensed premises was 76.
I am not sure what the Deputy means by comparable areas but if he means sub-districts in which there are about the same number of public houses or inhabitants it would not be possible to supply figures for the average number of prosecutions without an expensive nation-wide survey which would not be justified.
Has the Minister got the figures of the number of inspections of licensed premises made by the Guards in the Fermoy area?
I have given the Deputy the figures I have, that there were 23 raids resulting in 23 convictions.
Will the Minister take steps to ensure that the over-activity of Gardaí in this connection will be investigated?
I am satisfied from the convictions, that the raids must have been justified.